Early Years Learning Framework Practices

A Guide to the Early Years Learning Framework Practices for Parents and Educators

The Early Years Learning Framework Practices are the core teaching strategies and approaches that shape how early childhood education is delivered in Australia. Together with the EYLF Principles and Outcomes, these practices guide educators in creating meaningful learning experiences that support children’s development, identity, and wellbeing.

Understanding the practices of the Early Years Learning Framework can help parents make informed choices about childcare and enable educators to reflect on and strengthen their teaching. They are not prescriptive steps, but flexible, evidence-based approaches that support high-quality learning for every child.

What Are the Early Years Learning Framework Practices?

The EYLF Practices translate the vision and principles of the framework into practical, day-to-day teaching approaches. They ensure that programs are not only educational but also responsive, inclusive, and grounded in children’s strengths and interests.

There are eight core Early Years Learning Framework Practices:

Holistic approaches
Responsiveness to children
Learning through play
Intentional teaching
Learning environments
Cultural competence
Continuity of learning and transitions
Assessment for learning

Each practice is essential to high-quality early education. Let’s look at them in detail and explore how they work in practice.

Early Years Learning Framework Practices

Early Years Learning Framework Practice 1: Holistic Approaches

Holistic approaches recognise that children’s learning and development are interconnected — physical, social, emotional, cognitive, and spiritual growth all influence one another. Educators using holistic practice view children as whole beings and plan experiences that support their development across multiple domains simultaneously.

This might include activities that integrate language, physical movement, and social collaboration, or learning environments that support emotional wellbeing alongside academic skills.

Examples of How to Apply Early Years Learning Framework Practice 1

For educators:

Plan experiences that combine multiple learning areas, such as storytelling with movement, music, or dramatic play.
Observe how emotional wellbeing affects learning and adapt teaching strategies to meet the child’s holistic needs.
Include mindfulness, physical activity, and social learning opportunities throughout the day.

For parents:

Support emotional regulation at home to complement cognitive and social learning in care.
Encourage play and exploration that supports multiple skills at once, like cooking together (maths, language, and fine motor skills).
Discuss your child’s interests, strengths, and challenges with educators so they can plan holistic experiences.

Early Years Learning Framework Practice 2: Responsiveness to Children

Responsive practice means educators actively listen, observe, and adapt to children’s ideas, interests, and needs. It recognises children as capable contributors to their own learning and ensures that programs evolve as children grow and change.

Responsiveness also builds trust and engagement, helping children feel valued and understood.

Examples of How to Apply Early Years Learning Framework Practice 2

For educators:

Adapt curriculum plans based on children’s spontaneous interests or questions.
Use open-ended questions to encourage deeper thinking and exploration.
Acknowledge and extend on children’s ideas during conversations and play.

For parents:

Encourage curiosity by exploring topics your child shows an interest in.
Share observations about your child’s emerging interests and strengths with their educators.
Follow your child’s lead during play and conversations at home.

Early Years Learning Framework Practice 3: Learning Through Play

Play is central to the Early Years Learning Framework Practices because it is the natural way children explore, experiment, and make sense of the world. Through play, children develop problem-solving skills, language, social understanding, creativity, and confidence.

High-quality play-based learning involves intentional support from educators — they create rich environments, provide resources, and guide learning through purposeful interactions.

Examples of How to Apply Early Years Learning Framework Practice 3

For educators:

Set up open-ended play spaces with a variety of materials that encourage exploration and imagination.
Join in children’s play to model language, extend thinking, and introduce new concepts.
Balance free play with intentional provocations that spark new learning.

For parents:

Engage in pretend play, storytelling, or problem-solving games to build skills at home.
Provide time and space for unstructured play every day.
Offer a variety of materials and let your child choose how to use them.

Early Years Learning Framework Practice 4: Intentional Teaching

Intentional teaching means educators actively and thoughtfully plan interactions and experiences to support specific learning outcomes. It involves using strategies such as questioning, modelling, explaining, and demonstrating — always with a clear educational purpose.

This practice ensures that play and exploration are complemented by guided learning opportunities.

Examples of How to Apply Early Years Learning Framework Practice 4

For educators:

Ask questions that encourage critical thinking and problem-solving.
Model new vocabulary and concepts during play and routines.
Plan experiences that target emerging skills, like counting games for numeracy development.

For parents:

Support skill development by practising concepts like counting, measuring, or sequencing at home.
Use everyday moments (shopping, cooking, travelling) as teaching opportunities.
Ask “why” and “how” questions to extend conversations and thinking.

Early Years Learning Framework Practice 5: Learning Environments

The physical, social, and emotional environments children learn in have a powerful impact on their development. Effective learning environments are safe, engaging, inclusive, and adaptable. They encourage exploration, collaboration, independence, and creativity.

Examples of How to Apply Early Years Learning Framework Practice 5

For educators:

Design spaces that allow for choice, movement, and collaboration.
Provide materials that reflect diverse cultures, abilities, and interests.
Regularly rotate resources to maintain engagement and challenge learning.

For parents:

Visit parks, libraries, and nature spaces to expand their learning environment beyond the home.
Create a learning-rich environment at home with books, creative materials, and opportunities for independent play.
Involve your child in setting up their play space to build a sense of ownership.

Early Years Learning Framework Practice 6: Cultural Competence

Cultural competence is about understanding, respecting, and valuing the cultural identities of children, families, and communities. It’s more than celebrating diversity — it’s about embedding cultural perspectives into everyday practice.

Examples of How to Apply Early Years Learning Framework Practice 6

For educators:

Incorporate stories, music, and languages from children’s cultural backgrounds into the curriculum.
Build relationships with local cultural groups and invite community involvement.
Critically reflect on your own cultural assumptions and biases.

For parents:

Explore cultural events, museums, or community celebrations together.
Share your cultural traditions, values, and language with your child’s educators.
Encourage your child to be proud of their cultural identity.

Early Years Learning Framework Practice 7: Continuity of Learning and Transitions

Continuity of learning ensures children experience smooth transitions between settings — home, childcare, preschool, and school. Consistency helps children feel secure and supports their ongoing development.

Examples of How to Apply Early Years Learning Framework Practice 7

For educators:

Share information with families and other services to support seamless transitions.
Prepare children for changes through stories, discussions, and visits to new environments.
Reflect children’s prior learning in new programs to build on existing skills.

For parents:

Share relevant information about your child with new educators or teachers.
Talk to your child about upcoming changes and visit new environments together.
Maintain routines and familiar objects to provide comfort during transitions.

Early Years Learning Framework Practice 8: Assessment for Learning

Assessment for learning is an ongoing process of observing, documenting, and analysing children’s progress. It informs planning, ensures programs meet individual needs, and helps families understand their child’s development.

Examples of How to Apply Early Years Learning Framework Practice 8

For educators:

Use observations, conversations, and documentation to track learning over time.
Share assessment information with families in accessible and meaningful ways.
Use assessment data to inform curriculum decisions and adapt strategies.

For parents:

Reflect on your child’s interests and skills and share them during meetings or conferences.
Review learning documentation and discuss your child’s progress with educators.
Contribute your own observations from home to support planning.

Why the Early Years Learning Framework Practices Matter

The Early Years Learning Framework Practices turn principles into action. They ensure that learning is purposeful, inclusive, and tailored to each child. By applying these practices, educators build meaningful learning experiences — and parents can support that learning at home in powerful ways.

Together with the EYLF Principles and Outcomes, these practices form a complete picture of what quality early childhood education looks like in Australia.

Explore More About the EYLF

Want to learn more about the Early Years Learning Framework? Explore the other key elements:

And if you’re planning your childcare journey, don’t miss our Child Care Subsidy Guide for a full breakdown of how government support works.